Verbs of political and social activities and events

abdicate
give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations
 
abet
assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
 
abide by
act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
 
abide by
show respect towards
 
abolish
do away with
 
abrogate
revoke formally
 
abstain
refrain from voting
 
abuse
treat badly
 
aby
make amends for
 
accede
take on duties or office
 
accomplish
to gain with effort
 
accredit
provide or send (envoys or embassadors) with official credentials
 
accredit
grant credentials to
 
ace
succeed at easily
 
acquit
behave in a certain manner
 
act
be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
 
act on
regulate one's behavior in accordance with certain information, ideas, or advice
 
act on
carry further or advance
 
act superior
act like the master of
 
act up
misbehave badly; act in a silly or improper way
 
act upon
have and exert influence or effect
 
act
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
 
act
have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected
 
action
institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
 
address
greet, as with a prescribed form, title, or name
 
adjourn
break from a meeting or gathering
 
adjudicate
put on trial or hear a case and sit as the judge at the trial of
 
administer
direct the taking of
 
administer
work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of
 
admit
allow to enter; grant entry to
 
admit
allow participation in or the right to be part of; permit to exercise the rights, functions, and responsibilities of
 
adopt
take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
 
adorn
furnish with power or authority; of kings or emperors
 
advance
contribute to the progress or growth of
 
advance
give a promotion to or assign to a higher position
 
advantage
give an advantage to
 
adventure
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
 
adventure
put at risk
 
affiliate
join in an affiliation
 
affiliate
keep company with; hang out with
 
affranchise
grant freedom to; as from slavery or servitude
 
aggrieve
infringe on the rights of
 
agitate
exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for
 
agitate
try to stir up public opinion
 
aid
give help or assistance; be of service
 
allow
allow the other (baseball) team to score
 
allow
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
 
ally
become an ally or associate, as by a treaty or marriage
 
ally with
unite formally; of interest groups or countries
 
alternate
exchange people temporarily to fulfill certain jobs and functions
 
amerce
punish by a fine imposed arbitrarily by the discretion of the court
 
amerce
punish with an arbitrary penalty
 
amuse
occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
 
annul
declare invalid
 
antagonise
act in opposition to
 
anticipate
act in advance of; deal with ahead of time
 
appeal
take a court case to a higher court for review
 
appeal
challenge (a decision)
 
appear
present oneself formally, as before a (judicial) authority
 
apply
apply oneself to
 
apply
ensure observance of laws and rules
 
apply
avail oneself to
 
appoint
assign a duty, responsibility or obligation to
 
appoint
create and charge with a task or function
 
approach
begin to deal with
 
arise
take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
 
arraign
call before a court to answer an indictment
 
arrive
succeed in a big way; get to the top
 
ascend
become king or queen
 
ask over
invite someone to one's house
 
ask
make a date
 
assassinate
murder; especially of socially prominent persons
 
assault
force (someone) to have sex against their will
 
assay
make an effort or attempt
 
assemble
collect in one place
 
assemble
get people together
 
assert oneself
put oneself forward in an assertive and insistent manner
 
assert
insist on having one's opinions and rights recognized
 
assign
give an assignment to (a person) to a post, or assign a task to (a person)
 
assist
act as an assistant in a subordinate or supportive function
 
assist
work for or be a servant to
 
associate
bring or come into association or action
 
attach
create social or emotional ties
 
attaint
bring shame or dishonor upon
 
attend
take charge of or deal with
 
attitudinise
assume certain affected attitudes
 
authorise
give or delegate power or authority to
 
avail
be of use to, be useful to
 
average
achieve or reach on average
 
avert
prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
 
avoid
refrain from doing something
 
baby
treat with excessive indulgence
 
babysit
take watchful responsibility for
 
babysit
work or act as a baby-sitter
 
back down
remove oneself from an obligation
 
back up
give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to
 
back
be behind; approve of
 
back
give support or one's approval to
 
backdate
make effective from an earlier date
 
backfire
come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
 
backslap
display excessive cordiality (towards)
 
baffle
hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
 
bail
release after a security has been paid
 
bail out
free on bail
 
bait
lure, entice, or entrap with bait
 
balk
refuse to comply
 
Balkanize
divide a territory into small, hostile states
 
ball up
make a mess of, destroy or ruin
 
ballot
vote by ballot
 
ban
ban from a place of residence, as for punishment
 
ban
expel from a community or group
 
ban
forbid the public distribution of ( a movie or a newspaper)
 
band oneself
attach oneself to a group
 
band together
form a group or unite
 
banish
expel, as if by official decree
 
bar mitzvah
confirm in the bar mitzvah ceremony, of boys in the Jewish faith
 
baronetise
confer baronetcy upon
 
bastardise
change something so that its value declines; for example, art forms
 
bat mitzvah
confirm in the bat mitzvah ceremony, of girls in the Jewish faith
 
bate
moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
 
be at pains
try very hard to do something
 
be
work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function
 
beat
avoid paying
 
beaver
work hard on something
 
becharm
control by magic spells, as by practicing witchcraft
 
befool
make a fool or dupe of
 
befriend
become friends with
 
begin
achieve or accomplish in the least degree, usually used in the negative
 
begin
begin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct object
 
beguile
influence by slyness
 
behave
behave well or properly
 
belabor
to work at or to absurd length
 
bell the cat
take a risk; perform a daring act
 
bench
take out of a game; of players
 
benefact
help as a benefactor
 
betray
be sexually unfaithful to one's partner in marriage
 
betray
deliver to an enemy by treachery
 
bilk
cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
 
bind over
order a defendant to be placed in custody pending the outcome of a proceedings against him or her
 
blackball
vote against; refuse to endorse; refuse to assent
 
blackjack
exert pressure on someone through threats
 
blackleg
take the place of work of someone on strike
 
blacklist
put on a blacklist so as to banish or cause to be boycotted
 
blank
keep the opposing (baseball) team from winning
 
blindside
catch unawares, especially with harmful consequences
 
block
run on a block system
 
block
hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
 
block
stop from happening or developing
 
bludgeon
overcome or coerce as if by using a heavy club
 
blunder
commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake
 
bomb
fail to get a passing grade
 
book
record a charge in a police register
 
book
register in a hotel booker
 
book
arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance
 
boondoggle
do useless, wasteful, or trivial work
 
boot out
remove from a position or office
 
bootstrap
help oneself, often through improvised means
 
bother
to cause inconvenience or discomfort to
 
bother
take the trouble to do something; concern oneself
 
bottle up
consciously restrain from showing; of emotions, desires, impulses, or behavior
 
bottleneck
slow down or impede by creating an obstruction
 
bow out
retire gracefully
 
boycott
refuse to sponsor; refuse to do business with
 
brand
burn with a branding iron to indicate ownership; of animals
 
brand
to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful
 
breach
act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
 
break
cause the failure or ruin of
 
break
happen or take place
 
break
invalidate by judicial action
 
break away
withdraw from an organization or communion
 
break one's back
work very hard, like a slave
 
break with
end a relationship
 
break
interrupt a continued activity
 
break
enter someone's (virtual or real) property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act
 
break
discontinue an association or relation; go different ways
 
break
assign to a lower position; reduce in rank
 
breathalyse
test someone's alcohol level in his blood by means of a breathalyzer
 
brevet
promote somebody by brevet, in the military
 
bring down
cause the downfall of; of rulers
 
bring home the bacon
attain success or reach a desired goal
 
bring off
be successful; achieve a goal
 
bring oneself
cause to undertake a certain action, usually used in the negative
 
bring through
bring into safety
 
bring to bear
bring into operation or effect
 
bring up
promote from a lower position or rank
 
bring up
look after a child until it is an adult
 
brutalise
treat brutally
 
buck
to strive with determination
 
buck
resist
 
bugger
practice anal sex upon
 
build
order, supervise, or finance the construction of
 
bull
push or force
 
bullet vote
vote cumulatively and distribute the votes according to some principle
 
bump off
kill intentionally and with premeditation
 
bunco
deprive of by deceit
 
burglarise
commit a burglary; enter and rob a dwelling
 
burke
murder without leaving a trace on the body
 
burn
execute by tying to a stake and setting alight
 
bury
place in a grave or tomb
 
bust
search without warning, make a sudden surprise attack on
 
busy
keep busy with
 
buttonhole
detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors
 
buy at
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
 
cage
confine in a cage
 
call
make a stop in a harbour
 
call
call a meeting; invite or command to meet
 
call in
take a player out of a game in order to exchange for another player
 
call off
postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled
 
call the shots
exercise authority or be in charge
 
call to order
open formally
 
call
pay a brief visit
 
can
terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position
 
cancel
declare null and void; make ineffective
 
canton
divide into cantons, of a country
 
canvass
solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign
 
canvass
get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions
 
captain
be the captain of a sports team
 
care
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
 
care
provide care for
 
carouse
engage in boisterous, drunken merrymaking
 
carpenter
work as a carpenter
 
carry
take further or advance
 
carry
extend to a certain degree
 
carry
compensate for a weaker partner or member by one's own performance
 
carry on
direct the course of; manage or control
 
carry
win approval or support for
 
carve up
separate into parts or portions
 
cashier
discard or do away with
 
cashier
discharge with dishonor, as in the army
 
cast
assign the roles of (a movie or a play) to actors
 
castigate
inflict severe punishment on
 
catch
check oneself during an action
 
catch it
receive punishment; be scolded or reprimanded
 
catch up with
make up work that was missed due to absence at a later point
 
caucus
meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
 
celebrate
have a celebration
 
celebrate
behave as expected during of holidays or rites
 
celebrate
assign great social importance to
 
certify
guarantee as meeting a certain standard
 
certify
authorize officially
 
chair
act or preside as chair, as of an academic department in a university
 
chance
be the case by chance
 
charter
grant a charter to
 
charter
hold under a lease or rental agreement; of goods and services
 
chase
pursue someone sexually or romantically
 
cheat
engage in deceitful behavior; practice trickery or fraud
 
cheat
deprive somebody of something by deceit
 
check
block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
 
check
make an examination or investigation
 
check out
trace
 
check
develop (a child's or animal's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control
 
check
lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
 
choke
fail to perform adequately due to tension or agitation
 
choke
check or slow down the action or effect of
 
choose up
form sides, as for a game
 
chum up
become friends; act friendly towards
 
circularise
canvass by distributing letters
 
circularize
canvass by using a questionnaire
 
civilise
teach or refine to be discriminative in taste or judgment
 
clamor
compel someone to do something by insistent clamoring
 
classify
declare unavailable, as for security reasons
 
clean out
force out
 
clear
free from payment of customs duties, as of a shipment
 
clear
go unchallenged; be approved
 
clerk
work as a clerk, as in the legal business
 
close
finish or terminate (meetings, speeches, etc.)
 
close
engage at close quarters
 
close
cease to operate or cause to cease operating
 
club
gather and spend time together
 
club
unite with a common purpose
 
co-opt
neutralize or win over through assimilation into an established group
 
co-opt
choose or elect as a fellow member or colleague
 
co-opt
appoint summarily or commandeer
 
coact
act together, as of organisms
 
coeducate
educate persons of both sexes together
 
coerce
to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
 
collaborate
cooperate as a traitor
 
collaborate
work together on a common enterprise of project
 
collectivise
bring under collective control; of farms and industrial enterprises
 
colonise
settle as a colony; of countries in the developing world
 
color
modify or bias
 
combine
join for a common purpose or in a common action
 
come after
be the successor (of)
 
come before
be the predecessor of
 
come by
visit informally and spontaneously
 
come close
nearly do something
 
come near
almost do or experience something
 
come of age
reach a certain age that marks a transition to maturity
 
come to grips
deal with (a problem or a subject)
 
come to
attain
 
command
exercise authoritative control or power over
 
commission
charge with a task
 
commission
put into commission; equip for service; of ships
 
commission
place an order for
 
commit
perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
 
commit
engage in or perform
 
compass
bring about; accomplish
 
compel
force somebody to do something
 
compensate
make reparations or amends for
 
compere
act as a master of ceremonies
 
complete
complete or carry out
 
condemn
compel or force into a particular state or activity
 
condescend
behave in a patronizing and condescending manner
 
condescend
do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
 
condescend
debase oneself morally, act in an undignified, unworthy, or dishonorable way
 
condition
establish a conditioned response
 
conduce
be conducive to
 
confederate
form a confederation with; of nations
 
confine
deprive of freedom; take into confinement
 
confirm
administer the rite of confirmation to
 
confirm
support a person for a position
 
conflict
go against, as of rules and laws
 
conjoin
take in marriage
 
connect
establish a rapport or relationship
 
connect
establish communication with someone
 
connive
encourage or assent to illegally or criminally
 
connive at
give one's silent approval to
 
consecrate
appoint to a clerical posts
 
constrain
compel to behave in a certain way
 
contend
succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available
 
continue
allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
 
contract out
assign a job to someone outside one's own business
 
contract
engage by written agreement
 
control
place under restrictions; limit access to by law
 
control
check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard
 
cook
tamper, with the purpose of deception
 
coordinate
bring into common action, movement, or condition
 
coordinate
be co-ordinated
 
corner
gain control over
 
coronate
invest with regal power; enthrone
 
correct
punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience
 
corrupt
corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
 
cosign
sign jointly
 
counteract
oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
 
counteract
oppose or check by a counteraction
 
counteract
destroy property or hinder normal operations
 
countercheck
check a second time
 
couple
form a pair or pairs
 
court
engage in social activities leading to marriage
 
court
make amorous advances towards
 
court
seek someone's favor
 
court-martial
subject to trial by court-martial
 
covenant
enter into a covenant
 
cover
invest with a large or excessive amount of something
 
cover
to take an action to protect against future problems
 
cover
help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
 
cox
act as the coxswain, in a boat race
 
cozen
act with artful deceit
 
cozen
be false to; be dishonest with
 
crack
gain unauthorized access computers with malicious intentions
 
cradle
bring up from infancy
 
create
invest with a new title, office, or rank
 
crib
use a crib, as in an exam
 
criminalise
declare illegal; outlaw
 
criminalize
treat as a criminal
 
cross-file
have one's name listed as a candidate for several parties
 
cross-index
make an index that refers from one point to the next
 
crucify
kill by nailing onto a cross
 
crush
come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority
 
culminate
reach the highest or most decisive point
 
cut
discharge from a group
 
cut
be able to manage or manage successfully
 
dabble
play in or as if in water, as of small children
 
dabble
work with in an amateurish manner
 
dally
behave carelessly or indifferently
 
dare
to be courageous enough to try or do something
 
dare
take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
 
dash
destroy or break
 
date
go on a date with
 
date
date regularly; have a steady relationship with
 
daydream
have dreamlike musings or fantasies while awake
 
deal
take action with respect to (someone or something)
 
deal
behave in a certain way towards others
 
debar
bar temporarily; from school, office, etc.
 
decertify
cause to be no longer approved or accepted
 
declare
authorize payments of
 
declassify
lift the restriction on and make available again
 
decolonise
grant independence to (a former colony)
 
decontrol
relax or remove controls of
 
decorate
award a mark of honor, such as a medal, to
 
decoy
lure or entrap with or as if with a decoy
 
decriminalise
make legal
 
dedicate
open to public use, as of a highway, park, or building
 
defeat
thwart the passage of
 
defect
desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the opposing cause, country, or army
 
defend
be the defense counsel for someone in a trial
 
defibrillate
stop the fibrillation and restore normal contractions, usually by means of electric shocks
 
defrock
divest of the frock; of church officials
 
delegate
transfer power to someone
 
deliver
hand over to the authorities of another country
 
deliver
save from sins
 
deliver
free from harm or evil
 
democratise
introduce democratic reforms; of nations
 
democratise
become (more) democratic; of nations
 
demonstrate
march in protest; take part in a demonstration
 
depart
remove oneself from an association with or participation in
 
deport
expel from a country
 
depose
force to leave (an office)
 
depute
appoint as a substitute
 
deputise
act as a substitute
 
deracinate
move (people) forcibly from their homeland into a new and foreign environment
 
deregulate
lift the regulations on
 
derestrict
make free from restrictions
 
desecrate
violate the sacred character of a place or language
 
desegregate
open (a place) to members of all races and ethnic groups
 
dethrone
remove a monarch from the throne
 
devolve
pass on or delegate to another
 
dictate
rule as a dictator
 
dig
work hard
 
dignify
confer dignity or honor upon
 
direct
be in charge of
 
disadvantage
put at a disadvantage; hinder, harm
 
disassociate
part; cease or break association with
 
disbar
remove from the bar; expel from the practice of law by official action
 
discharge
free from obligations or duties
 
discriminate
treat differently on the basis of sex or race
 
disenfranchise
deprive of voting rights
 
disinter
dig up for reburial or for medical investigation; of dead bodies
 
disinvest
deprive of status or authority
 
dismiss
stop associating with
 
disobey
refuse to go along with; refuse to follow; be disobedient
 
disorganise
remove the organization from
 
dispatch
dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently
 
dispense
grant a dispensation; grant an exemption
 
dispense with
do without or cease to hold or adhere to
 
displace
take the place of or have precedence over
 
display
attract attention by displaying some body part or posing; of animals
 
dispose of
deal with or settle
 
disrespect
show a lack of respect for
 
dissent
express opposition through action or words
 
distress
bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship
 
distribute
make available
 
district
regulate housing in; of certain areas of towns
 
divorce
get a divorce; formally terminate a marriage
 
do by
interact in a certain way
 
do one's best
perform a task as well as possible
 
do the honors
act as the host and receive or introduce one's guests
 
do well by
treat with respect and consideration
 
do work
be employed
 
do
carry out or practice; as of jobs and professions
 
do
engage in
 
do
carry on or function
 
do
get (something) done
 
domiciliate
provide housing for
 
dominate
have dominance or the power to defeat over
 
double cross
betray by double-dealing
 
double-date
go out on a date with a partner and another couple
 
downsize
dismiss from work
 
dragoon
subjugate by imposing troops
 
dragoon
compel by coercion, threats, or crude means
 
draw rein
control and direct with or as if by reins
 
draw up
form or arrange in order or formation, as of a body of soldiers
 
draw
pull (a person) apart with four horses tied to his extremities, so as to execute him
 
drive
work as a driver
 
drive
to compel or force or urge relentlessly or exert coercive pressure on, or motivate strongly
 
drive around
drive without any particular aim
 
drive
strive and make an effort to reach a goal
 
drop
terminate an association with
 
drop out
leave school or an educational program prematurely
 
drop out
withdraw from established society, especially because of disillusion with conventional values
 
dub
raise (someone) to knighthood
 
dwarf
check the growth of
 
educate
give an education to
 
effect
act so as to bring into existence
 
egotrip
act in a way that attracts attention
 
elect
select by a vote for an office or membership
 
electioneer
work actively for a political candidate or a party
 
electrocute
kill by electric shock
 
electrocute
kill by electrocution, as in the electric chair
 
emancipate
give equal rights to; of women and minorities
 
emancipate
free from slavery or servitude
 
embargo
ban the publication of (documents), as for security or copyright reasons
 
embargo
prevent commerce
 
embark
proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
 
empanel
enter into a list of prospective jurors
 
employ
engage or hire for work
 
empower
give qualities or abilities to
 
enact
order by virtue of superior authority; decree
 
encroach
impinge or infringe upon
 
endeavor
attempt by employing effort
 
enfranchise
grant voting rights
 
engage
ask to represent; of legal counsel
 
engage
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
 
engage
carry on (wars, battles, or campaigns)
 
ennoble
give a title to someone; make someone a member of the nobility
 
enrol
register formally as a participant or member
 
enslave
make a slave of; bring into servitude
 
ensnare
take or catch as if in a snare or trap
 
entertain
provide entertainment for
 
enthrone
provide with power and authority
 
enthrone
put a monarch on the throne
 
entitle
give the right to
 
escape
remove oneself from a familiar environment, usually for pleasure or diversion
 
essay
put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
 
establish
set up or found
 
estrange
remove from customary environment or associations
 
evade
practice evasion
 
exaggerate
do something to an excessive degree
 
exchange
hand over one and receive another, approximately equivalent
 
exclude
prevent from entering; shut out
 
excommunicate
oust or exclude from a group or membership by decree
 
execute
murder in a planned fashion
 
execute
carry out the legalities of
 
execute
kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment
 
execute
carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine
 
exempt
grant relief or an exemption from a rule or requirement to
 
exert
make a great effort at a mental or physical task
 
expedite
process fast and efficiently
 
expedite
speed up the progress of; facilitate
 
expel
force to leave or move out
 
experiment
to conduct a test or investigation
 
experiment
try something new, as in order to gain experience
 
exploit
work excessively hard
 
extemporize
manage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand
 
fag
act as a servant for older boys, in British public schools
 
fail
be unable
 
fail
fall short in what is expected
 
fail
judge unacceptable
 
fail
be unsuccessful
 
fail
fail to do something; leave something undone
 
fall
suffer defeat, failure, or ruin
 
fall
yield to temptation or sin
 
fall
lose one's chastity
 
fall
lose office or power
 
fall all over
display excessive love or show excessive gratitude towards
 
fall back
have recourse to
 
fall flat
fail utterly; collapse
 
fall for
be deceived, duped, or entrapped by
 
fall from grace
revert back to bad behavior after a period of good behavior
 
fall in
to take one's place in a military formation or line
 
fall in
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
 
farm
be a farmer; work as a farmer
 
farm out
arranged for contracted work to be done by others
 
favor
treat gently or carefully
 
favor
promote over another
 
favor
bestow a privilege upon
 
feed
support or promote
 
fend
try to manage without help
 
fiddle
avoid (one's assigned duties)
 
field-test
test something under the conditions under which it will actually be used
 
fight
make a strenuous or labored effort
 
filibuster
obstruct deliberately by delaying
 
fill
appoint someone to (a position or a job)
 
fill
assume, as of positions or roles
 
finagle
achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods
 
financier
conduct financial operations
 
fine
issue a ticket or a fine to as a penalty
 
fix
influence an event or its outcome by illegal means
 
fixate
attach (oneself) to a person or thing in a neurotic way
 
fledge
feed, care for, and rear young birds for flight
 
flight
shoot a bird in flight
 
flim-flam
deceive somebody
 
float
circulate or discuss tentatively; test the waters with
 
flounder
behave awkwardly; have difficulties
 
follow
adhere to or practice
 
follow
accept and follow the leadership or command or guidance of
 
follow
follow with the eyes or the mind
 
fool around
commit adultery
 
footle
act foolishly, as by talking nonsense
 
forbid
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
 
forgive
absolve from payment
 
form
establish or impress firmly in the mind
 
form
create (as an entity)
 
formalise
make formal or official
 
formalise
declare or make legally valid
 
foster
bring up under fosterage; of children
 
foster
promote the growth of
 
franchise
grant a franchise to
 
fraternise
be on friendly terms with someone, as if with a brother, especially with an enemy
 
free
grant freedom to; free from confinement
 
free
make (information) available for publication
 
freelance
work independently and on temporary contracts rather than for a long-term employer
 
frivol
act frivolously
 
furlough
dismiss, usually for economic reasons
 
fuss
care for like a mother
 
gang-rape
rape (someone) successively with several attackers
 
gaol
lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
 
gerrymander
divide unfairly and to one's advantage; of voting districts
 
get along
have smooth relations
 
get around to
do something despite obstacles such as lack of time
 
get around
be a social swinger; socialize a lot
 
get at
influence by corruption
 
get it
receive punishment
 
get off
be relieved of one's duties temporarily
 
get together
get together socially or for a specific purpose
 
gibbet
hang on an execution instrument
 
gibbet
expose to ridicule or public scorn
 
gip
(sometimes offensive) to cheat or swindle
 
give
execute and deliver
 
give
emit or utter
 
give it a try
try
 
give it a try
make an attempt at something
 
give up
leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily
 
gloss over
treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly
 
go along
cooperate or pretend to cooperate
 
go for broke
risk everything in one big effort
 
go off at half-cock
act prematurely or without reflection or too soon
 
go
follow a procedure or take a course
 
govern
direct or strongly influence the behavior of
 
govern
bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations
 
govern
exercise authority over; as of nations
 
grind down
rule a country as a tyrant
 
groom
educate for a future role or function
 
grope
search blindly or uncertainly
 
grow up
become an adult
 
guard
take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
 
guard
to keep watch over
 
guide
be a guiding or motivating force or drive
 
halter
hang with a halter
 
handle with kid gloves
handle with great care and sensitivity
 
hang
prevent from reaching a verdict, of a jury
 
hang out
spend time in a certain location or with certain people
 
hang
kill by hanging
 
happen
chance to be or do something, without intention or causation
 
have
have a personal or business relationship with someone
 
haze
harass by imposing humiliating or painful tasks, as in military institutions
 
head
be in charge of
 
hear
examine or hear (evidence or a case) by judicial process
 
heed
pay close attention to; give heed to
 
help
contribute to the furtherance of
 
help out
be of help, as in a particular situation of need
 
hibernate
be in an inactive or dormant state
 
hinder
be a hindrance or obstacle to
 
hit the jackpot
succeed by luck
 
hive off
remove from a group and make separate
 
hoax
subject to a playful hoax or joke
 
hobble
hamper the action or progress of
 
hobnob
rub elbows with
 
hold
keep from departing
 
hold
take and maintain control over, often by violent means
 
hold one's own
maintain one's position and be in control of a situation
 
hold sway
be master; reign or rule
 
home
provide with, or send to, a home
 
home-school
educate (one's children) at home instead of sending (them) to a school
 
honor
bestow honor or rewards upon
 
hugger mugger
act stealthily or secretively
 
humbug
trick or deceive
 
idle
be idle; exist in a changeless situation
 
implement
apply in a manner consistent with its purpose or design
 
imprison
confine as if in a prison
 
inaugurate
open ceremoniously or dedicate formally
 
inaugurate
commence officially
 
incorporate
form a corporation
 
index
list in an index
 
indict
accuse formally of a crime
 
induct
admit as a member
 
induct
accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite
 
induct
place ceremoniously or formally in an office or position
 
indulge
give free rein to
 
infect
corrupt with ideas or an ideology
 
infiltrate
enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members
 
inhibit
limit, block, or decrease the action or function of
 
inmarry
marry within one's own tribe or group
 
instal
put into an office or a position
 
interact
act together or towards others or with others
 
interfere
come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle
 
interfere
get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force
 
interlope
encroach on the rights of others, as in trading without a proper license
 
intermarry
marry within the same ethnic, social, or family group
 
intern
deprive of freedom
 
intern
work as an intern
 
internationalise
put under international control
 
intrude
enter unlawfully on someone's property
 
invalid
force to retire, remove from active duty, as of firemen
 
inventory
make or include in an itemized record or report
 
invigilate
watch over (students taking an exam, to prevent cheating)
 
invite
have as a guest
 
issue
circulate or distribute or equip with
 
job
work occasionally
 
job
profit privately from public office and official business
 
join
come into the company of
 
jollify
celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities
 
jubilate
celebrate a jubilee
 
juggle
manipulate by or as if by moving around components
 
juggle
deal with simultaneously
 
keep away
prevent from coming close
 
keep down
put down by force or intimidation
 
keep guard
watch over so as to protect
 
keep in
cause to stay indoors
 
keep one's nose to the grindstone
work doggedly or persistently
 
keep tabs on
keep a record on or watch attentively
 
keep to oneself
shun the company of others
 
keep
conform one's action or practice to
 
keep
stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state
 
kennel
put up in a kennel
 
kick around
treat badly; abuse
 
lay on the line
expose to a chance of loss or damage
 
lead astray
teach immoral behavior to
 
lease
let for money
 
leave office
give up or retire from a position
 
legislate
make laws, bills, etc. or bring into effect by legislation
 
let it go
not act
 
liberalise
make liberal or more liberal, of laws and rules
 
liberalise
become more liberal
 
liberate
grant freedom to
 
lie dormant
be inactive, as if asleep
 
list
include in a list
 
litigate
engage in legal proceedings
 
localise
restrict something to a particular area
 
lock out
prevent employees from working during a strike
 
logroll
work toward the passage of some legislation by exchanging political favors such as trading votes
 
loosen up
become less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner
 
loosen
become less severe or strict
 
loosen
make less severe or strict
 
lord
make a lord of someone
 
lot
divide into lots, as of land, for example
 
luck it
act by relying on one's luck
 
lynch
kill without legal sanction
 
make
form by assembling individuals or constituents
 
make
carry out or commit
 
make a point
make a point of doing something; act purposefully and intentionally
 
make good
act as promised
 
make it
go successfully through a test or a selection process
 
make
charge with a function; charge to be
 
malinger
avoid responsibilities and duties, e.g., by pretending to be ill
 
man
take charge of a certain job; occupy a certain work place
 
manage
watch and direct
 
mandate
assign under a mandate
 
maneuver
act in order to achieve a certain goal
 
manipulate
influence or control shrewdly or deviously
 
marginalise
relegate to a lower or outer edge, as of specific groups of people
 
marry
perform a marriage ceremony
 
matriculate
enroll as a student
 
meddle
intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
 
meet
get to know; get acquainted with
 
mesh
work together in harmony
 
militate
have force or influence; bring about an effect or change
 
mind
be in charge of or deal with
 
mingle
get involved or mixed-up with
 
minister
attend to the wants and needs of others
 
minister
work as a minister
 
misally
make a bad alliance; ally inappropriately
 
misbehave
behave badly
 
misconduct
manage badly or incompetently
 
misdo
do wrongly or improperly
 
misgovern
govern badly
 
mismarry
marry an unsuitable partner
 
molest
harass or assault sexually; make indecent advances to
 
monetise
give legal value to or establish as the legal tender of a country
 
monopolise
have and control fully and exclusively
 
moon
be idle in a listless or dreamy way
 
moonlight
work a second job, usually after hours
 
move
live one's life in a specified environment
 
move in on
seize control of
 
move out
cause to leave
 
muff
fail to catch, as of a ball
 
mutiny
engage in a mutiny against an authority
 
nail
succeed in obtaining a position
 
neutralize
make politically neutral and thus inoffensive
 
nominate
put forward; nominate for appointment to an office or for an honor or position
 
nurse
treat carefully
 
nurse
serve as a nurse; care for sick or handicapped people
 
obey
be obedient to
 
offer
mount or put up
 
offer
agree freely
 
officiate
act in an official capacity in a ceremony or religious ritual, such as a wedding
 
open
begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.
 
open
start to operate or function or cause to start operating or functioning
 
operate
direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
 
oppose
act against or in opposition to
 
oppress
cause to suffer
 
ordain
invest with ministerial or priestly authority
 
organise
cause to be structured or ordered or operating according to some principle or idea
 
organise
form or join a union
 
ostracise
avoid speaking to or dealing with
 
oust
remove and replace
 
outvote
defeat by a majority of votes
 
overachieve
perform better or achieve a greater degree of success than expected
 
overcompensate
make excessive corrections for fear of making an error
 
overdrive
drive or work too hard
 
overexert
exert (oneself) excessively and go beyond one's strength
 
overleap
defeat (oneself) by going too far
 
overreach
fail by aiming too high or trying too hard
 
override
counteract the normal operation of (an automatic gear shift in a vehicle)
 
oversimplify
simplify to an excessive degree
 
pack
set up a committee or legislative body with one's own supporters so as to influence the outcome
 
page
work as a page
 
pan out
be a success
 
paragraph
divide into paragraphs, as of text
 
parcel
divide into parts
 
parole
release a criminal from detention and place him on parole
 
partake in
be active in
 
participate
share in something
 
partner
act as a partner
 
party
have or participate in a party
 
pass
accept or judge as acceptable
 
pass
allow to go without comment or censure
 
pass on
refer to another person for decision or judgment
 
patent
grant rights to; grant a patent for
 
patrol
maintain the security of by carrying out a patrol
 
pay
render
 
penalise
impose a penalty on; inflict punishment on
 
pension off
let go from employment with an attractive pension
 
perform
perform a function
 
philander
have amorous affairs; of men
 
pick off
shoot one by one
 
pick up
meet someone for sexual purposes
 
picket
serve as pickets or post pickets
 
pillory
punish by putting in a pillory
 
pin down
place in a confining or embarrassing position
 
pip
kill by firing a missile
 
place
place somebody in a particular situation or location
 
place
assign to (a job or a home)
 
play
behave in a certain way
 
play
act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
 
play
be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
 
play it by ear
decide on one's actions as one goes along, depending on the situation
 
play
engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
 
ply
apply oneself diligently
 
poison
spoil as if by poison
 
politick
engage in political activities
 
poll
vote in an election at a polling station
 
poll
get the votes of
 
pontificate
administer a pontifical office
 
pose
behave affectedly or unnaturally in order to impress others
 
post
enter on a public list
 
post
assign to a post; put into a post
 
potter
work lightly
 
prefer
give preference to one creditor over another
 
prejudice
disadvantage by prejudice
 
preside
act as president
 
probate
establish the legal validity of (wills and other documents)
 
process
deal with in a routine way
 
prorogue
adjourn by royal prerogative; without dissolving the legislative body
 
prosecute
bring a criminal action against (in a trial)
 
prosecute
conduct a prosecution in a court of law
 
prostitute
sell one's body; exchange sex for money
 
puff up
become filled with pride, arrogance, or anger
 
pull off
cause to withdraw
 
pull one's weight
do one's share in a common task
 
pull the plug
prevent from happening or continuing
 
purge
oust politically
 
put to work
cause to work
 
queen
promote to a queen, as of a pawn in chess
 
quench
electronics: suppress (sparking) when the current is cut off in an inductive circuit, or suppress (an oscillation or discharge) in a component or device
 
race
to work as fast as possible towards a goal, sometimes in competition with others
 
rack
put on a rack and pinion
 
racketeer
carry on illegal business activities involving crime
 
rain out
prevent or interrupt due to rain
 
rampage
act violently, recklessly, or destructively
 
ranch
manage or run a ranch
 
rat
employ scabs or strike breakers in
 
rat
desert one's party or group of friends, for example, for one's personal advantage
 
ratify
approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
 
rave
participate in an all-night techno dance party
 
readmit
admit anew
 
readmit
admit again or anew
 
reassign
transfer somebody to a different position or location of work
 
rebel
break with established customs
 
rebury
bury again
 
recall
make unavailable; bar from sale or distribution
 
receive
have or give a reception
 
reciprocate
act, feel, or give mutually or in return
 
recognise
show approval or appreciation of
 
recommit
commit once again, as of a crime
 
reconstruct
return to its original or usable and functioning condition
 
redeem
restore the honor or worth of
 
redline
discriminate in selling or renting housing in certain areas of a neighborhood
 
reduce
bring to humbler or weaker state or condition
 
reelect
elect again
 
reenact
enact again
 
reestablish
bring back into original existence, use, function, or position
 
refuse
refuse entrance or membership
 
regiment
assign to a regiment
 
regiment
form (military personnel) into a regiment
 
regiment
subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization
 
register
record in writing; enter into a book of names or events or transactions
 
register
enroll to vote
 
regroup
organize anew, as after a setback
 
rehabilitate
restore to a state of good condition or operation
 
rehabilitate
help to readapt, as to a former state of health or good repute
 
rehabilitate
reinstall politically
 
rehear
hear or try a court case anew
 
rehouse
put up in a new or different housing
 
reign
have sovereign power
 
reinstate
restore to the previous state or rank
 
reissue
issue (a new version of)
 
rejoin
join again
 
relate
have or establish a relationship to
 
relieve
save from ruin, destruction, or harm
 
relieve
free someone temporarily from his or her obligations
 
remarry
marry, not for the first time
 
remember oneself
recover one's good manners after a lapse or stop behaving badly
 
remove
remove from a position or an office
 
rename
name again or anew
 
rendezvous
meet at a rendezvous
 
reorganise
organize anew
 
repatriate
admit back into the country
 
repatriate
send someone back to his homeland against his will, as of refugees
 
repeat
do over
 
replace
take the place or move into the position of
 
represent
be a delegate or spokesperson for; represent somebody's interest or be a proxy or substitute for, as of politicians and office holders representing their constituents, or of a tenant representing other tenants in a housing dispute
 
represent
be representative or typical for
 
repress
impede or hinder the natural development or self-expression of
 
reprieve
relieve temporarily
 
resile
pull out from an agreement, contract, statement, etc.
 
rest
be inactive, refrain from acting
 
restrain
prevent (someone or something) from doing something
 
restrict
prevent (information) from being circulated or disclosed
 
resume
assume anew
 
reticulate
distribute by a network, as of water or electricity
 
retire
withdraw from circulation or from the market, as of bills, shares, and bonds
 
retire
go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
 
retire
make (someone) retire
 
retire
withdraw from active participation
 
retool
revise or reorganize, especially for the purpose of updating and improving
 
reunify
unify again, as of a country
 
reunite
have a reunion; unite again
 
revolt
make revolution
 
revolutionize
overthrow by a revolution, of governments
 
ride roughshod
treat inconsiderately or harshly
 
ride the bench
be out of the game
 
rig
arrange the outcome of by means of deceit
 
riot
take part in a riot; disturb the public peace by engaging in a riot
 
root
cheer for
 
rotate
exchange on a regular basis
 
rough-house
treat in a rough or boisterous manner
 
rub along
manage one's existence barely
 
rubricate
place in the church calendar as a red-letter day honoring a saint
 
ruin
destroy or cause to fail
 
rumpus
cause a disturbance
 
run
make without a miss
 
run
set animals loose to graze
 
rusticate
send to the country
 
rusticate
suspend temporarily from college or university, in England
 
sanction
give authority or permission to
 
sandbag
treat harshly or unfairly
 
satisfice
decide on and pursue a course of action satisfying the minimum requirements to achieve a goal
 
sauce
behave saucily or impudently towards
 
save
refrain from harming
 
scant
limit in quality or quantity
 
scant
work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
 
school
educate in or as if in a school
 
scourge
punish severely; excoriate
 
screen
examine in order to test suitability
 
screen
test or examine for the presence of disease or infection
 
scrimshank
British military language: avoid work
 
second
transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment
 
sectionalise
divide into sections, especially into geographic sections
 
see
go to see for professional or business reasons
 
see
go to see for a social visit
 
see
go to see a place, as for entertainment
 
segregate
separate by race or religion; practice a policy of racial segregation
 
send in
give one's name or calling card to a servant when making a formal visit
 
serve
devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
 
serve
do military service
 
serve
be used by; as of a utility
 
set aside
annul (a legal decision)
 
set back
slow down the progress of; hinder
 
shamanise
practice shamanism
 
shame
compel through a sense of shame
 
shark
play the shark; act with trickery
 
shepherd
tend as a shepherd, as of sheep or goats
 
shepherd
watch over like a shepherd, as a teacher of her pupils
 
shill
act as a shill
 
ship
hire for work on a ship
 
shipwreck
ruin utterly
 
shipwreck
suffer failure, as in some enterprise
 
short
cheat someone by not returning him enough money
 
short-circuit
hamper the progress of; impede
 
sideline
remove from the center of activity or attention; place into an inferior position
 
sin
commit a sin; violate a law of God or a moral law
 
sit back
be inactive or indifferent while something is happening
 
sit in
participate in an act of civil disobedience
 
skipper
work as the skipper on a vessel
 
slack
avoid responsibilities and work, be idle
 
slam-dunk
make a forceful move against
 
slate
enter on a list or slate for an election
 
sliver
divide into slivers or splinters
 
slum
spend time at a lower socio-economic level than one's own, motivated by curiosity or desire for adventure; usage considered condescending and insensitive
 
sneak
put, bring, or take in a secretive or furtive manner
 
snooker
fool or dupe
 
socialise
train for a social environment
 
socialise
take part in social activities; interact with others
 
sodomise
copulate with an animal
 
solemnise
observe or perform with dignity or gravity
 
solemnise
perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies
 
sophisticate
make less natural or innocent
 
sovietise
bring under Soviet control, of a country
 
spare
save or relieve from an experience or action
 
speak for
be a spokesperson for
 
spearhead
be the leader of
 
specialise
devote oneself to a special area of work
 
spell
relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn
 
spike
stand in the way of
 
spot promote
promote on the spot
 
spur
incite or stimulate
 
squeeze for
squeeze someone for money, information, etc.
 
squeeze out
force out
 
stable
shelter in a stable
 
stag
attend a dance or a party without a female companion
 
stall
put into, or keep in, a stall
 
stampede
act, usually en masse, hurriedly or on an impulse
 
stampede
cause a group or mass of people to act on an impulse or hurriedly and impulsively
 
start
begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job
 
stay
stop a judicial process
 
stay together
be loyal to one another, especially in times of trouble
 
steamroll
bring to a specified state by overwhelming force or pressure
 
steamroll
proceed with great force
 
step
cause (a computer) to execute a single command
 
stet
printing: cancel, as of a correction or deletion
 
stoke
stir up or tend; of a fire
 
stratify
divide society into social classes or castes
 
stratify
develop different social levels, classes, or castes
 
streetwalk
walk the streets in search of customers
 
strike out
be unsuccessful in an endeavor
 
strike
stop work in order to press demands
 
strong-arm
handle roughly
 
stunt
check the growth or development of
 
subcontract
work under a subcontract; engage in a subcontract
 
subject
make subservient; force to submit or subdue
 
suborn
incite to commit a crime or an evil deed
 
subserve
be helpful or useful
 
succor
help in a difficult situation
 
summate
form or constitute a cumulative effect
 
superannuate
retire and pension (someone) because of age or physical inability
 
surprise
come upon or take unawares
 
sweep under the rug
to conceal something in the hopes it won't be discovered by others
 
swing
influence decisively
 
syndicate
organize into or form a syndicate
 
syndicate
join together into a syndicate
 
taboo
declare as sacred and forbidden
 
tackle
accept as a challenge
 
take
carry out
 
take
develop a habit
 
take advantage
make excessive use of
 
take back
resume a relationship with someone after an interruption, as in a wife taking back her husband
 
take care
be careful, prudent, or watchful
 
take charge
assume control
 
take in
visit for entertainment
 
take in charge
accept as a charge
 
take off
take time off from work; stop working temporarily
 
take office
assume an office, duty, or title
 
take orders
be ordained; enter the Christian ministry
 
take orders
receive and be expected to follow directions or commands
 
take stage
attract attention onto oneself
 
take time by the forelock
act quickly and decisively; not let slip an opportunity
 
take to
develop a habit; apply oneself to a practice or occupation
 
take up
turn one's interest to
 
task
assign a task to
 
tenant
occupy as a tenant
 
tend
manage or run
 
tend
have care of or look after
 
tenure
give life-time employment to
 
territorialise
organize as a territory
 
terrorise
coerce by violence or with threats
 
thermostat
control the temperature with a thermostat
 
throne
sit on the throne as a ruler
 
tinker
work as a tinker or tinkerer
 
toe the line
do what is expected
 
tolerate
recognize and respect (rights and beliefs of others)
 
top out
give up one's career just as one becomes very successful
 
touch
deal with; usually used with a form of negation
 
train
cause to grow in a certain way by tying and pruning it
 
trellis
train on a trellis, as of a vine
 
trespass
break the law
 
triangulate
divide into triangles or give a triangular form to
 
trust
allow without fear
 
turn
accomplish by rotating
 
turn a trick
have a customer, of a prostitute
 
turn out
come and gather for a public event
 
turn thumbs down
vote against
 
turn up the heat
apply great or increased pressure
 
tutor
act as a guardian to someone
 
two-time
carry on a romantic relationship with two people at the same time
 
underachieve
perform less well or with less success than expected
 
undergird
lend moral support to
 
undo
cause the ruin or downfall of
 
unify
bring together for a common purpose or action or ideology or in a shared situation
 
unify
act in concert or unite in a common purpose or belief
 
unionise
recruit for a union or organize into a union
 
unitise
divide (bulk material) and process as units
 
unseat
remove from political office
 
upstage
treat snobbishly, put in one's place
 
use
seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage
 
use
habitually do something or be in a certan state or place (use only in the past tense)
 
usurp
take the place of
 
valet
serve as a personal attendant to
 
vet
work as a veterinarian
 
victimise
punish unjustly
 
victimise
make a victim of
 
volunteer
do volunteer work
 
vote
bring into existence or make available by vote
 
vote
express a choice or opinion
 
vote
express one's choice or preference by vote
 
vote
express one's preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution; cast a vote
 
vote
be guided by in voting
 
vote in
elect in a voting process
 
wait
serve as a waiter or waitress in a restaurant
 
walk
be or act in association with
 
walk
live or behave in a specified manner
 
walk around
behave in a certain manner or have certain properties
 
walk around
walk randomly
 
warm up
run until the normal working temperature is reached
 
welch
cheat by avoiding payment of a gambling debt
 
whip through
go through very fast
 
whipsaw
victimize, especially in gambling or negotiations
 
whore
work as a prostitute
 
winkle out
force from a place or position
 
wive
marry a woman, take a wife
 
wive
take (someone) as a wife
 
work
operate in a certain place, area, or specialty
 
work
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
 
work
proceed towards a goal or along a path or through an activity
 
work
cause to operate or function
 
work
operate in or through
 
work at
to exert effort in order to do, make, or perform something
 
write in
cast a vote by inserting a name that does not appear on the ballot
 
write off
cancel (a debt)
 
wrong
treat unjustly; do wrong to